BRETT HINDS: MANAGER FINDS INSPIRATION AS PART OF GROUND-BREAKING POWERTRAIN TEAM

Brett Hinds is advanced engine design and calibration manager for EcoBoost, the newest and most advanced engine technology in Ford’s lineup

Hinds says teamwork was an instrumental factor in finishing the EcoBoost program 10 months faster than a typical powertrain development process

Brett Hinds has been engineering since the age of 16. So it’s no surprise that he is now the advanced engine design and calibration manager for EcoBoost, the newest and most advanced engine technology in Ford’s lineup.

After graduating from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Mich., Hinds joined Ford and has spent most of his career in powertrain development. An engineering career enables him to do exactly what he wanted to do as a teenager – help design and create new cars. For Hinds, engines are a strong part of that allure.

“Engines are interesting machines,” said Hinds. “They produce a lot of performance and give the car personality and character. They’re complex. I’m inspired to continually make them better and more efficient.”
Teamwork is an instrumental aspect and was critical in finishing the program 10 months faster than a typical powertrain development process. With a focus on achieving – and beating – objectives, the team was able to deliver an exciting product in a shorter time frame.

“This is one of the strongest teams Ford has put together to do an engine program. The team is very well integrated and everyone is pushing to make this the best project,” Hinds explained.

“This spirit compels teammates to ask one another, ‘How can I help you get past this?’ Because we’re on a compressed timeline and our awareness of the importance of the program, we really pull together to help people move along as fast as they can,” added Hinds.

Hinds and the team clearly recognize the significance of the EcoBoost program.

“EcoBoost is a clear signal that Ford has a solid plan going forward: a plan to provide customers exciting and engaging products, meet present and future emission standards and a plan to preserve our environment,” said Hinds. “We’re not just showing what we are going to do over the next five years: We’re showing what Ford is doing for the next 20 years. On many levels, our work is going to positively resonate for lots of customers.”

For Hinds, motivation is easy to find in a project like EcoBoost. It’s the realization of a dream to be part of the team delivering a world-class powertrain, bringing the first direct-injection twin-turbocharged V-6 in the North American market.

Then there’s the motivator of doing something to help the environment.

“We’re actually helping the Earth,” added Hinds. “Our customers will not have to make compromises to enjoy the EcoBoost engine. Customers do not have to sacrifice performance for fuel economy, and that helps the environment, the nation and the consumer.”

# # #

About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.